Lung Cancer Survivor Urges Others to Participate in Research, Says it ‘Will Make a Difference in the Future’ of Others

When Alesha Arnold was diagnosed with lung cancer, she says she felt “completely blindsided,” but then turned those feelings into advocacy through sharing her story and encouraging others to participate in cancer research.

Arnold, who was honored for her contributions to the community at CURE®’s third annual Lung Cancer Heroes® awards ceremony, is a breast cancer research nurse, who has witnessed how the latest trials and studies have improved the world of cancer care.

“The things that we are doing today will make a difference in the future of people tomorrow,” Arnold said in an interview with CURE®. “We have things like immunotherapies and targeted therapies and all kinds of new advanced treatments, which have come forth through research.”

Transcript

When I was diagnosed, I completely felt like I was blindsided, because I was a relatively healthy person lived a healthy lifestyle, and then you get this diagnosis that you have advanced-stage lung cancer, it kind of changes your whole perception on your life and the life of others.

So what I wanted to do at that time, is give back and share my story with others so that maybe other people can get help they need earlier in their journey, be able to find answers, as well as encourage people to be involved with research, because research matters and it makes a difference.

The things that we are doing today will make a difference in the future of people tomorrow. We have things like immunotherapies and targeted therapies and all kinds of new advanced treatment, which have forth through research. So it's important that we stress that people participate and be a part of that research, and just to make a difference in the future.

Lung Cancer Hero® Alesha Arnold passed away on Feb. 5, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, education and awareness in the cancer community.

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